She never looked like fading. Just two games from the finish line, she and the crowd lifted another notch when an unplayable drop shot secured the critical break for 5-4 and, still refusing to reveal even a smidgeon of emotion, she purposefully strode to the chair as if she’d just held her opening serve in a first-round qualifying bout.
Successful on her first match point, it was a chance to exhale again, walk back and reset for the task of facing Andreeva for the first time.
“I played eight matches here already or more, so there are no secrets,” she said. “I watched Mirra a bit. They were playing before us, so I watched her game, and it was incredible, so it’s just another great experience for me. I will for sure give my all. It’s a Grand Slam final.
“Let me enjoy this moment for now. I just want to breathe a little, you know, enjoy it today and then just recover as much as I can and be able to give my all.”
